November 25, 2012 (Gällivare, Sweden) – The US XC ski women’s team has arrived. In a stunning display of ski prowess the team of Kikkan Randall, Holly Brooks, Liz Stephen and Jessie Diggins made history capturing their first World Cup relay 4x5km podium taking home the bronze in a thrilling race that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

It was the second consecutive US podium in Sweden with Randall’s 3rd place yesterday in the 10km FR (her first distance podium), as Brooks was the lead off classic skier fighting for position in a hotly contested first classic leg that saw several crashes behind the leaders. Brooks kept the USA in contention handing off to Randall in 8th at 11.7s behind Norway 1 lead by Vibeke W Skoferud who tagged Therese Johaug.

Johaug was on her own out front but Randall took charge on her classic leg picking off skiers to take her team from 8th to 2nd place by the second lap. Showing strong form she fought off Sweden 1, Norway II, Finland 1 and Russia 1 and closed the gap on Johaug to 8.2s, delivering the fastest leg time on great skis, as she handed off to Stephen.

Stephen, who celebrated her first FIS podium in Finland last weekend, was on fire and chased down Norway’s Martine Ek Hagen clawing back 4s over the 5km skate course as Norway 1 and the USA established themselves as the clear leaders. Behind Sweden 1, Norway II, Finland 1 and Russia 1 scrambled to stay in touch as the Canadian team of Chandra Crawford, Perianne Jones, Daria Gaiazova and Alysson Marshall struggled behind in 14th.

Hagen held off a hard-charging Stephen and handed off to Marit Bjoergen for the final skate leg as Diggins anchored for the USA. The race behind was on as Swedish star Charlotte Kalla was soon gaining on Diggins with Norway II ‘s Marthe Kristoffersen in tow.

As Bjoergen raced ahead to victory Kalla caught and passed Diggins who valiantly held on to third as Kristoffersen now became the new threat while Kalla pressed on alone in second. On the second lap Kristoffersen caught the young American star and it looked like the USA’s podium hopes were in jeopardy.

But Diggins was not done yet and on the final corner leading into the finishing straight she pulled up beside her Norwegian rival and put the hammer down as the two sprinted to the finish with Diggins taking home the historic bronze medal for the USA by 0.5s.

The US team’s previous best result was a record 5th place last year in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic without Randall who was sick as Ida Sargent took her place and proved her mettle. Canada finished 14th on the day.

In a few short years the US women have made the grade and are a force to be reckoned with.

Full results HERE.
Full results w/splits HERE.